Paul W. Thompson at a glance
- Current role
- Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Washington · State
- Judicial service
- Active
Paul W. Thompson
Biography
Professional career
- Before joining the bench, he spent 14 years as a trial court public defender, practicing in Snohomish County since 2007 and previously in Chelan County from 2004 to 2007.
- Both individuals share a commitment to justice but serve in different jurisdictions and have distinct career paths and experiences
- He has been actively involved in committees on the Superior Court bench and has contributed to discussions on juvenile brain development, restorative justice, and alternative approaches to mental health and addiction treatment
- Thompson emphasizes equal justice and has received endorsements highlighting his fairness, integrity, and commitment to protecting the rights of all parties in the legal system
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in history from Kent State University in 2003 and a J.D. from UCLA School of Law in 2006.
Additional information
- He has since been re-elected in 2020 and 2024 and currently serves as the Presiding Judge.
- Another Paul Thompson is a candidate for the Superior Court of Los Angeles County, appearing on the ballot in the primary election on June 2, 2026.
- During his tenure, he worked in the Major Crimes Division, prosecuting high-profile cases including taking over as lead prosecutor in the Harvey Weinstein case in 2022, which resulted in conviction and sentencing.
- Paul W. Thompson was appointed to the Snohomish County Superior Court bench in late 2018 and retained his position in a contested retention election in 2019.
- He was admitted to the California bar on December 1, 2006, and began working in the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office in 2007, eventually becoming a deputy district attorney.
- Judge Thompson graduated from Gonzaga University School of Law, Eastern Washington University, and also attended Bellevue College.
- California Judge Candidate: Paul Thompson, running for Los Angeles County Superior Court, former deputy district attorney, prosecuted major cases including Harvey Weinstein, law graduate from UCLA.
- He resides in Edmonds, Washington, with his long-time partner, Judge Whitney Rivera, and their son.
Applicable Court Rules & Procedures
Recording and broadcasting
Statewide
Washington GR 16 allows video recording, audio recording, and still photography by the news media in courtrooms only after the judge has expressly granted permission.
Video and audio recording and still photography by the news media are allowed in the courtroom during and between sessions, provided (1) that permission shall have first been expressly granted by the judgeWashington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media ↗
Statewide
If a Washington judge limits courtroom photography or recording, GR 16 requires particularized findings on the record and treats open access as presumed.
Open access is presumed; limitations on access must be supported by reasons found by the judge to be sufficiently compelling to outweigh that presumptionWashington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media ↗
Published courtroom rules
Shared court rules
Washington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media
Snohomish County - Superior Court
Scope is limited to the court class in the source claim. Shared court context only; case-type restrictions, exceptions, later amendments and case orders apply. This is not a personal preference or a complete rules inventory.
Official source ↗ · Collected 2026-07-26Sources
Identity source checked July 26, 2026.
Biography sources checked October 11, 2026.
Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts official judicial roster
Identity source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts official judicial roster ↗Washington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media
Statewide source · PDF · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Washington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media ↗